LATRBOBE, Pa. — Darryl Drake, the wide receivers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has died, according to Steelers President Art Rooney II. He was 62. ESPN reported a cause of death was not disclosed.
"We are at a loss for words following Darryl Drake's passing this morning," Rooney said in a statement Sunday. "Darryl had such an impact on the players he coached and everyone he worked with throughout his entire career. He was a passionate coach and had a tremendous spirit toward life, his family, his faith and the game of football.
"Our prayers and thoughts are with his wife, Sheila, his three daughters, his grandchildren and entire family during this difficult time."
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin also released a statement in response to the news.
"Darryl was a close friend and had a tremendous impact on my coaching career. He was an amazing husband, father and grandfather, and it is difficult to put into words the grief our entire team is going through right now.
"Darryl loved the game of football and every player he ever coached. We will use our faith to guide us and help his family throughout the difficult time.
"My heart and our prayers are with his wife, Sheila, and Darryl’s entire family."
Team officials said in a Facebook post they would not be holding their regular Sunday training camp practice and that St. Vincent College in Latrobe would be closed to all fans.
According to Steelers.com, Drake was entering his first year as the team's wide receivers coach and in his 15th season as a coach in the NFL. The website said Drake spent the last five years coaching with the Arizona Cardinals and the previous nine years with the Chicago Bears, coaching well-known players Larry Fitzgerald and Brandon Marshall.
Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of Darryl Drake. It is impossible to overstate his impact on the game in nearly four decades as a coach in college and the NFL.
— Arizona Cardinals ⋈ (@AZCardinals) August 11, 2019
Today, the entire football community mourns his loss.
Today we mourn the untimely passing of Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers coach Darryl Drake. Darryl was the former Bears wide receivers coach under Lovie Smith from 2004-12, including the 2006 Super Bowl appearance.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 11, 2019
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